10 best Windows password reset tools: The smart way to unlock PC
Here's a latest review of the best Windows password reset tools we've tested for resetting forgotten password without losing data and unlock Windows computer safely.
Lucas Seltzer Updated on Nov 6, 2025 8:59 PM
Windows password reset is a feature that lets you regularly change the login password to something new and enhance the security. However, it can be a hurdle if you're forgetting Windows password and being unable to sign into the system. Luckily, Windows password reset tool offers a lifeline to reset a forgotten password, whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account.
We've outlined here our top picks for the best Windows password reset tools, along with practical tips to help you regain access without losing data or reinstalling Windows. Whether you've forgotten your Microsoft password or local password, bought a used device that's still locked, or solve an unknown login problem, check out the features, pros and cons of each password reset software for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8. 7, etc. and choose the right one for you.
The password reset tool delivers reliable way to unlock Windows account if you forgot Windows password and can't log in.
Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery is our top overall password reset app for most users, in terms of ease of use, effectiveness, compatibility, and ability to reset Windows password without logging in or without erasing data.
Table of Contents
Understanding of Windows password reset
In today's digital world, access is everything. Getting locked out of your Windows PC & laptop requires you to reset the password to recover access. This is where Windows password reset comes in.
Windows Password Reset is a process of changing Windows password used to access a computer, typically because the user has forgotten the sign-in password, is locked out of their account, or wants to strengthen security. The exact method for resetting a forgotten or unknown password in Windows depends heavily on the type of account you are using.
Why you might need a Windows password reset tool?
Windows password reset utilities are designed to help regaining access to a locked computer when the password is forgotten, lost or compromised. Mostly, a password reset tool starts the Windows password recovery journey by bypassing a Windows password and resetting it to something different or to blank, or removing Windows password entirely for local, administrator & Microsoft account on any Windows versions.
When you encounter a login issue on Windows, having password reset tools at hand can take you back to your digital home while preserving user data and system settings.
- You forgot your Windows login password and can't access your files.
- You recently bought a secondhand PC that remained locked with previous password.
- You want a direct method for Microsoft password reset without verifying identity.
- You fail to reset your password for local account without a proactive password reset disk.
Below we'll review the top 10 Windows Password Reset Tools Free Download, ranging from the native Windows password recovery software to third-party Windows password reset programs.
Best 10 Windows password reset tools to unlock PC effectively
Pick any of the top-rated Windows password reset USB or software to bypass or unlock your password quickly. IMPORTANT! This guide is for educational purposes only. Use these freeware password resetting tools responsibly just to unlock on your own Windows desktop. Cracking a lost user and administrator password on someone's computer without permission is illegal.
1. Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery
The highly versatile Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery tool is a top dog of password reset option available. It offers an all-in-one solution that makes it super easy to reset Microsoft password - if you can't provide recovery email or phone number for authentication, and to reset local Windows password for a user account, admin account or a domain account - if you haven't taken any proactive recovery measures.
When you're stuck at the Windows login screen with the password forgotten or lost, this best overall password reset program is a good place to start and unlock Microsoft account and local account without data loss.
Key features:
- 3 steps to reset password on Windows with rather high success rate.
- A quick remedy when you're unable to create a free password reset disk after lockout.
- Reset local, Microsoft, and domain administrator/ user passwords.
- Ability to remove Windows password, delete an existing user account, or create a new account with administrator privileges.
- Compatible with all Windows platforms, including Windows 11/10/ 8.1/ 8/7/Vista/XP/2000, and Windows Server 2025/ 2022/ 2019/ 2012 (R2)/ 2008 (R2)/ 2003 (R2)/ SBS 2011.
- Support password reset on all Windows PC & laptops, like HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Dell, Vaio, Acer, etc.
How to reset Microsoft & local password via Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery
To help you clearly understand why Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery suite stands out, we break down the steps on how to reset Windows password when locked out and restore full access.
Step 1. Create a password reset disk on a separate computer
You need access to another working computer to download the password reset package, and install it properly.
Open the tool and click Start button.
Then, plug a blank CD/DVD or USB drive to the computer, then choose it from the list on the software window, and click Next button. This creates a bootable reset media for free even if you haven't made one before you're locked out of your Windows 10, Windows 11 or whatever.
Unplug the drive from the computer.
Step 2. Boot your locked computer from the Windows password reset USB/CD/DVD
- Connect the bootable USB drive or CD/DVD to the locked Windows machine.
- Reboot the computer, and immediately keep pressing a certain boot key to enter BIOS Setup Utility interface. Check the appropriate key in the table below:
- Navigate to Boot > Boot Device Priority.
- Move the [USB Device] or [CD ROM] to the top of First Boot Device list.
- Save the changes and exit.
- Now, your locked device will restart from the Windows password reset USB media.
If you have no idea on how to boot a computer from a bootable media, check the links below carefully.
Step 3. Start resetting a Windows password to a new one and log into desktop
When your computer successfully boots from the reset utility, you can select your system and user account to reset the password for.
- On the window that appears, choose your [Windows system] that's locked.
- Select your [user account] for which you'd like to change the login password for Microsoft or local account.
- Click Reset Account Password.
- On the pop-up dialog box, enter a new password of your choice to replace the old, forgotten one.
- Hit Reset button to finalize the password reset process. Tip: If you need to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11, 10, etc. when you lose access to, you can reset the password first to regain access and then go to Settings app for the removal.
Pros:
- Ease of use. The bootable USB/CD/DVD facilitate the reset of forgotten Windows passwords.
- Data preservation. No data will be erased or damaged while resetting the password.
- One-time creation of the Windows password reset disk for permanent use and for all accounts on any computer even if the login info changes.
- Quick processing time for password change or reset.
- Clear, step-by-step interface with no technical expertise required.
- Regular updates and bug fixes.
Cons:
- Requires installation on another accessible computer.
- A blank USB or CD/DVD is needed to download Windows password reset tool USB.
2. Microsoft Account Password Reset Online Portal
The Microsoft Account Password Reset is a web-based, self-service recovery feature that allows users to regain access to their Microsoft account when they've forgotten their password or have been locked out of Windows operating system.
It's accessible via Microsoft Password Reset page or the "I forgot my password" link at the Microsoft sign-in screen. Once you're able to complete the identity verification, Microsoft will take you to change your password instantly.
Pros:
- Windows free password recovery tool for Microsoft password reset.
- Step-by-step recovery wizard.
- Easy operation.
Cons:
- No support for Windows local account password reset.
- Manual recovery delays. The account recovery can take days to process and may still be denied.
- Dependent on recovery setup method ahead of time (phone, email, security questions).
- Some form of identity authentication is needed.
- Internet access is required for the Microsoft account password reset to succeed.
3. Built-in Windows Password Reset Disk
The Windows Password Reset Disk is a built-in recovery feature in Windows (available since Windows XP) that allows local account users to reset their password if forgotten. It's a preventive tool rather than a reactive recovery tool — you create it while you still have access to your account, and later insert it during login to regain access when you forget the password.
You typically access it through Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a password reset disk.
This launches the "Forgotten Password Wizard", which guides you through saving your password recovery information to the USB drive.
The password reset USB is only for local user accounts (not Microsoft accounts or domain accounts), and once set up, it remains valid indefinitely, even if the password changes later.
Pros:
- Completely free & native local account password recovering solution without needing any third-party software or extra cost.
- A portable USB-based password reset tool.
- Instant access recovery. Resets your password immediately from the login screen without another computer.
- Data preservation. Resets password without affecting files or settings.
- Offline recovery supported.
- No technical knowledge required.
Cons:
- Cannot reset or bypass Microsoft account password.
- Must be created prior to the lockout.
- Single account and PC binding. A Password Reset Disk is tied to an exact local user account and an exact computer on which it was created. You cannot use it for a different account or on a different PC.
- Security risk if lost. Anyone with the disk can reset the password and access your computer.
Also read: How to create and use a Windows 10 password reset disk
4. Passware Kit
Developed by Passware - a leading password recovery software developer, Passware Kit is a powerful password recovery tool for forensic teams, businesses and home office with up to 70% success rate. It offers a comprehensive & quick solution to recover or reset passwords for local Windows accounts and Microsoft Live accounts, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access mdb and more (over 300 file types supported. It's widely used in digital forensics, law enforcement, and enterprise IT for data access and investigation.
Passware Kit is a commercial tool and comes in five different editions, ranging in price from $49 for the Kit Basic, to $79 for Kit Standard, and up to $1195 for Kit Forensic. All editions include GPU acceleration for fast decryption. The main differentiator between the editions is in the number of file types that passwords can be retrieved from.
When it comes to resetting Windows password to unlocking a PC, Passware Kit offers a clear onscreen wizard, allowing you to create a Windows Password Reset USB disk from another PC that you have access to, and then reset your password on a locked computer.
Pros:
- Extensive format support: documents, archives, email files, disk images
- macOS & Windows password reset supported.
- Can bypass or reset local and admin password, as well Microsoft password.
- Encrypted disk recovery for BitLocker (Windows), Apple FileVault (macOS), LUKS (Linux), and TrueCrypt/ VeraCrypt containers and system partitions.
- Fast performance.
- User-friendly interface with guided workflows.
Cons:
- A commercial software at high cost.
- A professional-grade password recovery suite with steep learning curve.
- No guarantee of success when cracking strong, complex passwords.
5. Lazesoft Recover My Password
Lazesoft Recover My Password is a desktop program primarily used for resetting forgotten or lost Windows local administrator password or domain administrator password in a snap. It can also remove the administrator's user password so you can log back into the system using a blank password. Like other Windows password reset utilities, Lazesoft Recover My Password tool works offline by creating a bootable CD, DVD, or USB drive on a working computer.
When you've forgotten your admin password, or the admin account has been locked or disable, you can boot the locked computer from the rescue password reset USB flash drive, after which Lazesoft utility runs outside of your main Windows operating system, allowing you to bypass and clear or reset the locked admin password for Windows 10, Windows 11 or earlier Windows versions.
Pros:
- A specialized Windows admin password reset tool for local & domain login.
- Easy password change to something new if the old password was forgotten.
- Remove the password from Windows 11 (or 10, 8, 7, etc.) and bypass the login screen.
- Supports a wide range of Windows versions and works on 32- and 64-bit.
- Straightforward process for creating the boot media and resetting the password.
- Free Home Edition available for personal use.
Cons:
- The software cannot run directly from the locked computer.
- Functionalities in the Free Home Edition is limited. It can only clear password instead of changing a new password.
- BIOS/UEFI configurations for the password reset USB media may be a bit complicated for beginners
6. John the Ripper
Unlike the Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery software mentioned at the top - which is an end-use utility, John the Ripper is a command-line password cracking tool used by security professionals for auditing and testing.
Originally designed to detect weak Unix passwords, John the Ripper now supports a wide range of hash types including Windows LM/NTLM, MD5, SHA, Kerberos, and encrypted file formats. It's a widely used to testing password strength and perform offline attacks on password hashes.
Pros:
- Free, open source.
- Supports almost all major operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows).
- Crack Windows password quickly.
- Lightweight and minimal system is required.
Cons:
- Command-line interface.
- Manual setup required.
- Not suitable for Microsoft account recovery.
7. Offline NT Password & Registry Editor
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor a free, open-source Linux-based utility that features a solid way to reset or blank local user passwords on Windows NT-based systems, including the modern Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This local account recovery tool works by booting from a USB or CD and directly modifying the Windows Security Account Manager (SAM) database and registry files—without needing to log in, making it especially useful for system administrators, IT technicians, and forensic analysts dealing with locked or inaccessible Windows machines.
Pros:
- Quick password reset or removal. It resets or clears (blank out) the password for any local user account in Windows, including the main Administrator.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Free to use.
- Offline and secure.
Cons:
- Command-Line only, which can be intimidating for non-technical users.
- No support for Microsoft accounts or domain accounts.
- Data loss risk.
8. Ophcrack
Unlike many other password reset software applications that simply reset or remove the password, Ophcrack is a free, open-source Windows password recovery tool that uses rainbow tables to recover original passwords without modifying the system. However, it no longer supports for recovering password in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Pros:
- Completely free download password recovery software
- Recovers the actual password, generally fast for simpler passwords.
- Offers bootable LiveCD for easy password recovery.
- Runs on Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Cons:
- Not guaranteed to recover very complex passwords, especially 14 characters in length.
- Missed compatibility when getting locked out of Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs.
- Interface is less modern.
9. Trinity Rescue Kit
The free, open source Trinity Rescue Kit (TRK) is a lightweight bootable Linux distribution tailored for recovery, repair, and maintenance tasks on both Windows and Linux systems. It boots from a CD, USB, or network (PXE) and provides a command-line interface with a scrollable menu for executing various recovery operations, including bypassing the locked operating system, as well as clearing or resetting forgotten Windows local passwords.
Resetting a password on a PC involves some command line work, so it will be complex if you're not an advanced user.
Pros:
- Versatile recovery toolkit that combines password reset, antivirus, and disk utilities in one package.
- An older but very comprehensive Windows password reset solution to recover your computer.
- Works perfectly for local Windows accounts.
- Doesn't require internet access for most tasks.
Cons:
- Lacks a graphical interface.
- No support for changing Microsoft password on Windows.
- May not deal with Windows 11 or Windows 10 password reset.
10. Windows Installation Media
Windows Installation Media is a bootable device is typically a bootable USB flash drive or a DVD that loads the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), allowing you to install or repair Windows operating system and initiates the Windows Setup process. It is created using the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
It can be also used to reset a local account password if you're signed in by booting into recovery mode and using command-line tools to manipulate system files—specifically replacing Utilman.exe with cmd.exe to launch a command prompt at the login screen with password reset tools, and then executing the Net User Command for creating a new password. It's a powerful workaround for locked-out systems but requires technical skill and caution.
Note that, this method only works for resetting password to a local account, not a Microsoft account. It's considered a last-resort recovery option and should be used responsibly.
Pros:
- Effectively reset forgotten password and bypass the login screen.
- Works across Windows versions, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- Installation media is freely available from Microsoft.
- Doesn't require reinstalling Windows or wiping the drive.
Cons:
- Requires command-line knowledge and file manipulation.
- The installation media must be created before you forget the password or your system fails.
- Mistakes can corrupt system files or break accessibility features.
- Cannot reset Microsoft credentials.
- Time-consuming.
Windows built-in Password Recovery vs. 3rd-party Windows Password Reset software
Forgot your Windows password? You're not alone. Windows password reset tools offer fast, secure solutions to reset the password and unlock a PC or a laptop without reinstalling your operating system or losing valuable data.
Windows password reset tools are more than just utilities—they're enablers of access, productivity, and peace of mind. By understanding the features, advantages and limitations, you can choose the right one to address the login issues. Most applications do not really recover the original password, but it's easy enough to recover your local & Microsoft account by resetting the password that you do not remember to something new.
Whether to use native, free Windows password recovery options or use third-party password reset tools boils down to Proactive Planning versus Emergency Recovery.
The Microsoft-provided solution like Microsoft Password Reset Online, Password USB Reset Disk, Windows Installation Media are fundamentally proactive measures that must to be taken before the password is forgotten, while the third-party Appgeeker Windows Password Recovery and similar tools are designed to be an emergency recovery approach to recover Windows account after the lockout, which operate by booting the locked PC from external bootable USB reset tool to bypass the normal login process while keeping any data and settings intact.
